Heirs
Matthew 12:6 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Father, He is Your Son, and He is our brother. We are joint heirs with the Son of the living God. We are co-heirs with Christ. And what is His suffering that we share in His glory? That we die with Him, be crucified with Him, believe in Him, hope in Him, walk with Him, talk with Him, listen to Him, desire to be with Him, desire to know Him, that we may live with Him now and forever.
We hope for what we cannot see with our physical eyes or experience with our physical bodies. All of creation waits eagerly to reveal everything to us. We groan in labor as an expecting mother in labor, along with Creation. As a mother giving birth, the hope is within her, 'seeing' creation of new life is not fully revealed until birth. Creation groans as in the same labor ready to give birth that we may see new life. Birth into new life comes with death in Christ and death of the flesh. We are born into this new life as a baby, born into this new life with You, and finally born into eternal new life with You.
Do you see this? It is being revealed. Creation will be liberated from its bondage, no more decay, but glorious freedom of the children of God, we who have been adopted as we wait eagerly, even now.
How Beautiful! And honestly, I feel as I read this, if much more is revealed to me, my flesh would not be able to handle it, it is too awesome, too glorious to really comprehend with my finite mind.
Here's some of His glorious Creation, Galaxies, SuperNovas and Nebula. What a small representation of His total Creation.
Video & Song
'God of Wonders' Third Day
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pc--ZYUyE2M&feature=related
Saturday
Friday
May 30, 2008 His Sheep
His Sheep
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming"
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 15:18 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
The constant burning question, 'Will you follow Me?'. This isn't something that I answer one time and say, 'I will Lord', it is a day to day, moment by moment choice. And I do have a choice. My all loving gracious Lord is never imposing, never pushing, never demanding, never hateful, never angry. He is my love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5.
I am in Him and He is in me, John 14, I am near Him and He is in my heart, my mouth cries out to Him, Abba Father and He hears me and answers me. If you know Jesus, you do know the Father.
Be still and listen, He is near you, you know His voice.
We are his sheep and we have a choice.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming"
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 15:18 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
The constant burning question, 'Will you follow Me?'. This isn't something that I answer one time and say, 'I will Lord', it is a day to day, moment by moment choice. And I do have a choice. My all loving gracious Lord is never imposing, never pushing, never demanding, never hateful, never angry. He is my love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5.
I am in Him and He is in me, John 14, I am near Him and He is in my heart, my mouth cries out to Him, Abba Father and He hears me and answers me. If you know Jesus, you do know the Father.
Be still and listen, He is near you, you know His voice.
We are his sheep and we have a choice.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
Thursday
May 29, 2008 Paint My Life
Paint My Life
Think about our life from the prospective of God's hand. He is the master painter, the master sculptor, master weaver, master landscaper, master architect, master craftsman, master designer, master symphonic conductor.
Being an artist, I certainly can tell you it is not possible to 'create' anything. But I can honestly tell you that as He has given me gifts of expression to 'create', that is art, by His guidance and what I see in my heart. But in that there will never be the beauty of His creative hand.
I think often of the works of many masters in the past and even now, sculptors, painters, writers, musicians and I am in awe. There is no doubt that they deeply touched God's creative guidance. It is not possible to ever to create masterpieces of such magnificent beauty depicting life without that deep understanding of who we are and who He is.
The beauty of His creative artistic hand, His creation - millions of varieties in the magnificent human body, the earth, the galaxies, glorious sunrises on majestic mountains, green vast pastures, cattle on a thousand hills, flora, fauna, insects, amebas, cells, neutrons, electrons, atoms. Even art at a nano level. The beauty of the same creation in sizes before unseen by man is being researched and I am sure this isn't the smallest, as a galaxy isn't the largest.
Here is a video that is so interesting and if for no other reason I am attaching it for you to see the beauty in the 'nano' world.
http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/189?gclid=CKmd19fCy5MCFQtvGgodUh2IjQ
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
The following was sent to me yesterday once again by my dear friend. I don't have the book 'I Am The Door' but will definitely be reading it soon.
"Your life is a work of art, and you need to be be busy about it even as a bee is busy pollinating flowers. And remember, work that is not exhilarating, joyful, and nourishing to you accomplishes nothing of value in the world." -- Paul Ferrini, in I Am the Door
"... the bee actually fertilizes the flower it robs." -- Charles A. Beard
"Your life's work is your love made visible." -- Kahlil Gibran
"Based on His most ingenious design, what you do to fully express your gift and to take good care of yourself also takes best care of the world. I love the way Paul Ferrini says it here:" -- Jim Spivey
"The gifts you have been given in this life do not belong to you alone. They belong to everyone. Do not be selfish and withhold them, worrying about only your own safety and well-being. Don't ever imprison yourself in a lifestyle that holds your spirit hostage and provides no spontaneity or grace in your life. Risk being fully yourself in every moment. Let go of the expectations others have for you and get in touch with what brings you the greatest joy and fulfillment. Live from the inside out, not from the outside in. To move toward your joy is not selfish at all. It is in fact the most generous action you can take. That is because your joy and appreciation feed the world. The spirit of others cannot be lifted up unless you trust your gift and give it freely to the world. Your fully-expressed life is the gift."
And worth quoting two days in a row, as I see my gifts more clearly now than ever and am humbled in the presence of God who has entrusted these to me. Every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Even knowledge will pass away, and I will always come to this, Love will never fails. 1Corinthians 13
If you are very still you will hear His voice and experience your very purpose and know your calling. We are all painting, dancing and singing in a magnificent orchestrated symphony together with God and His creation.
The beauty of His creation in roses.
Video & Song
'Rose Canon' John Michael Talbot
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iNwQB7gXfMk
Think about our life from the prospective of God's hand. He is the master painter, the master sculptor, master weaver, master landscaper, master architect, master craftsman, master designer, master symphonic conductor.
Being an artist, I certainly can tell you it is not possible to 'create' anything. But I can honestly tell you that as He has given me gifts of expression to 'create', that is art, by His guidance and what I see in my heart. But in that there will never be the beauty of His creative hand.
I think often of the works of many masters in the past and even now, sculptors, painters, writers, musicians and I am in awe. There is no doubt that they deeply touched God's creative guidance. It is not possible to ever to create masterpieces of such magnificent beauty depicting life without that deep understanding of who we are and who He is.
The beauty of His creative artistic hand, His creation - millions of varieties in the magnificent human body, the earth, the galaxies, glorious sunrises on majestic mountains, green vast pastures, cattle on a thousand hills, flora, fauna, insects, amebas, cells, neutrons, electrons, atoms. Even art at a nano level. The beauty of the same creation in sizes before unseen by man is being researched and I am sure this isn't the smallest, as a galaxy isn't the largest.
Here is a video that is so interesting and if for no other reason I am attaching it for you to see the beauty in the 'nano' world.
http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/189?gclid=CKmd19fCy5MCFQtvGgodUh2IjQ
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
The following was sent to me yesterday once again by my dear friend. I don't have the book 'I Am The Door' but will definitely be reading it soon.
"Your life is a work of art, and you need to be be busy about it even as a bee is busy pollinating flowers. And remember, work that is not exhilarating, joyful, and nourishing to you accomplishes nothing of value in the world." -- Paul Ferrini, in I Am the Door
"... the bee actually fertilizes the flower it robs." -- Charles A. Beard
"Your life's work is your love made visible." -- Kahlil Gibran
"Based on His most ingenious design, what you do to fully express your gift and to take good care of yourself also takes best care of the world. I love the way Paul Ferrini says it here:" -- Jim Spivey
"The gifts you have been given in this life do not belong to you alone. They belong to everyone. Do not be selfish and withhold them, worrying about only your own safety and well-being. Don't ever imprison yourself in a lifestyle that holds your spirit hostage and provides no spontaneity or grace in your life. Risk being fully yourself in every moment. Let go of the expectations others have for you and get in touch with what brings you the greatest joy and fulfillment. Live from the inside out, not from the outside in. To move toward your joy is not selfish at all. It is in fact the most generous action you can take. That is because your joy and appreciation feed the world. The spirit of others cannot be lifted up unless you trust your gift and give it freely to the world. Your fully-expressed life is the gift."
And worth quoting two days in a row, as I see my gifts more clearly now than ever and am humbled in the presence of God who has entrusted these to me. Every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Even knowledge will pass away, and I will always come to this, Love will never fails. 1Corinthians 13
If you are very still you will hear His voice and experience your very purpose and know your calling. We are all painting, dancing and singing in a magnificent orchestrated symphony together with God and His creation.
The beauty of His creation in roses.
Video & Song
'Rose Canon' John Michael Talbot
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iNwQB7gXfMk
Wednesday
May 28, 2008, Abundant Life
Abundant Life
Adam lived 930 years, and then he died; Enoch lived 365 years, walked with God, then he was no more because God took him, he was with God; Methuselah was 969 years old, and then he died; Genesis 5; Altogether, Noah lived 950 years, and then he died. Genesis 9; God made the 'Abraham lived 175 years, then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.' Genesis 25; Aaron was a 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor. Numbers 33; Moses was a 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. Deuteronomy 34; Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a 110. Joshua 24
Yes, Adam and Eve made a choice to be cast from the presence of the Lord. They became self centered and didn't need God. They began to do it all on their own, neglecting the relationship that they were born to have, a closeness with God when they actually talked with Him face to face and it grieved God, these were His children. Man made his own choices, to be separate from God, not to fellowship or be a friend with Him, the Creator of the Universe, All Knowing, All Powerful, All Loving, 'poof' they forgot.
As time continued further and further from the Garden of Eden, the age of man diminished as he grew evil in his heart, falling into hate for his brother starting with Cain. The age of man diminished as they grew further from a heart relationship with their Creator. They had it all and gave it all up. But from what I remember and see as I look back, yes, they gave it up, but they still where given chances over and over and over again to have it all again, maybe not the Garden but in Canaan a land rich with milk and honey. That is a one on one relationship with God, to talk with Him and walk with Him.
Can we get closer to Him in this life and regain a one on one relationship with our Creator? Absolutely. Can we experience heaven on earth? Absolutely. This experience only comes with surrender. Like peeling an onion, layer after layer burned off in His all consuming fire we must allow everything that separates us from Him be burned away. We have come to this time, thousands of years later, and I might add living in prosperity in the world, in which we have allowed all that is unnecessary and mundane strip us of being able to walk with Him in the stillness and coolness of the day as Adam and Eve did.
Surrender is the premise of understanding and divine wisdom from above where - every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
I see it as life and life more abundantly, in a glorious, profound communion with Him. We have the opportunity to be a friend of God, to walk with Him and be separate from the 'world'.
Bask and bathe in His light, soak in all His love and His life, we don't have to wait when we are separate from this body. This far surpasses any health plan for long life devised by man!
'Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.' Kahlil Gibran
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2aM4HUbzlo
Adam lived 930 years, and then he died; Enoch lived 365 years, walked with God, then he was no more because God took him, he was with God; Methuselah was 969 years old, and then he died; Genesis 5; Altogether, Noah lived 950 years, and then he died. Genesis 9; God made the 'Abraham lived 175 years, then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.' Genesis 25; Aaron was a 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor. Numbers 33; Moses was a 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. Deuteronomy 34; Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a 110. Joshua 24
Yes, Adam and Eve made a choice to be cast from the presence of the Lord. They became self centered and didn't need God. They began to do it all on their own, neglecting the relationship that they were born to have, a closeness with God when they actually talked with Him face to face and it grieved God, these were His children. Man made his own choices, to be separate from God, not to fellowship or be a friend with Him, the Creator of the Universe, All Knowing, All Powerful, All Loving, 'poof' they forgot.
As time continued further and further from the Garden of Eden, the age of man diminished as he grew evil in his heart, falling into hate for his brother starting with Cain. The age of man diminished as they grew further from a heart relationship with their Creator. They had it all and gave it all up. But from what I remember and see as I look back, yes, they gave it up, but they still where given chances over and over and over again to have it all again, maybe not the Garden but in Canaan a land rich with milk and honey. That is a one on one relationship with God, to talk with Him and walk with Him.
Can we get closer to Him in this life and regain a one on one relationship with our Creator? Absolutely. Can we experience heaven on earth? Absolutely. This experience only comes with surrender. Like peeling an onion, layer after layer burned off in His all consuming fire we must allow everything that separates us from Him be burned away. We have come to this time, thousands of years later, and I might add living in prosperity in the world, in which we have allowed all that is unnecessary and mundane strip us of being able to walk with Him in the stillness and coolness of the day as Adam and Eve did.
Surrender is the premise of understanding and divine wisdom from above where - every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
I see it as life and life more abundantly, in a glorious, profound communion with Him. We have the opportunity to be a friend of God, to walk with Him and be separate from the 'world'.
Bask and bathe in His light, soak in all His love and His life, we don't have to wait when we are separate from this body. This far surpasses any health plan for long life devised by man!
'Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.' Kahlil Gibran
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2aM4HUbzlo
Tuesday
May 27, 2008 Soul Purpose
Soul Purpose
You were born....
You are a now a spiritual being with a human body on a spiritual journey until the next birth...
Our whole life's purpose has been set on auto-pilot to serve and do God's will and at any given time we have the freedom to turn it off and fly alone. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith, a seed planted to grow us into the next kingdom with God. Each one of us knows within our own hearts if we are ready to be with God eternally. This path on this side of heaven is so short and continues on a path straight into His arms when we call on His name, He is Jesus.
When you have fallen into the torment and despair of darkness, if you can't remember anything else, remember His name because He is all you need. His name will save you from eternal darkness. Remember His name, He is Jesus.
What a glorious, wonderful, fulfilling journey...when we follow Him and leave ourselves on auto-pilot for God to guide us in His will. Perfect, yes, because He knows us better than we know ourselves. What amazing possibilities are available when we don't resist Him.
I love this quote sent to me by a wonderful brother in a recent entry, by whom I am inspired as he is a living example, to stay focused on my purpose, to love unconditionally and to follow Jesus and serve Him 24/7.
"Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Bob, why are you resisting me?' I said, 'I'm not resisting you!' He said, 'Does that mean you're gonna drop everything and follow me?' I said, I've never really thought about what that really means before!' He said, 'When you're not letting go of stuff and following me, you're resisting me.'" -- Bob Dylan
Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What an amazing journey through life, to be able to experience His light and His love. To carry it for all to see as a beacon in a world crying and desperate for an answer and a reason to hope and to find abundant life. Be ready to share your faith to give them this light, this hope, this love. To walk with them and carry them through until they find His light. Our greatest calling and sole (or I should say soul's) purpose through eternity is to love; love God, love man and love ourselves and that doesn't stop even with the second birth when. . . You are born 'again'.
Video & Song
'I Will Carry You' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g
You were born....
You are a now a spiritual being with a human body on a spiritual journey until the next birth...
Our whole life's purpose has been set on auto-pilot to serve and do God's will and at any given time we have the freedom to turn it off and fly alone. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith, a seed planted to grow us into the next kingdom with God. Each one of us knows within our own hearts if we are ready to be with God eternally. This path on this side of heaven is so short and continues on a path straight into His arms when we call on His name, He is Jesus.
When you have fallen into the torment and despair of darkness, if you can't remember anything else, remember His name because He is all you need. His name will save you from eternal darkness. Remember His name, He is Jesus.
What a glorious, wonderful, fulfilling journey...when we follow Him and leave ourselves on auto-pilot for God to guide us in His will. Perfect, yes, because He knows us better than we know ourselves. What amazing possibilities are available when we don't resist Him.
I love this quote sent to me by a wonderful brother in a recent entry, by whom I am inspired as he is a living example, to stay focused on my purpose, to love unconditionally and to follow Jesus and serve Him 24/7.
"Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Bob, why are you resisting me?' I said, 'I'm not resisting you!' He said, 'Does that mean you're gonna drop everything and follow me?' I said, I've never really thought about what that really means before!' He said, 'When you're not letting go of stuff and following me, you're resisting me.'" -- Bob Dylan
Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What an amazing journey through life, to be able to experience His light and His love. To carry it for all to see as a beacon in a world crying and desperate for an answer and a reason to hope and to find abundant life. Be ready to share your faith to give them this light, this hope, this love. To walk with them and carry them through until they find His light. Our greatest calling and sole (or I should say soul's) purpose through eternity is to love; love God, love man and love ourselves and that doesn't stop even with the second birth when. . . You are born 'again'.
Video & Song
'I Will Carry You' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g
Monday
May 26, 2008 Ultimate War
Ultimate War
More now than ever in my walk am I realizing what it means to 'follow Him'. As I shed all my need for any worldly possession I am being prepared as a warrior for battle. Everything I need is being supplied by the Commander, boot camp survival (and I do mean that) training, full armor including a precision Sword, Training Manual, battle plans, strategy, the location of the battle, and the enemy. This war is a rescue mission and the battle field is fierce and forceful. And to my surprise, not that I see myself as 'wonder woman' or some type of gladiator strong woman, I signed up. I signed up?!!! No, actually I've been signed up and the calling is greater that the need to retreat or say 'not this time Lord'.
The battle is not with flesh and blood, Ephesians 6:12, am I happy about that with this aging body! The battle is being prepared all over the world for the coming of the Lord. He is gathering together those who are answering the call and will listen to every detail and plan in the last hour. The battle is in the field, where the fruit is being gathered for the final harvest. They stand ready in the field, all looking in one direction. There will never be a battle as this and we have been chosen. What an honor, He called you and me!!!!!
Luke 10:2 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out more workers into his harvest field.'
There are no church walls, self contained, comfortable, soft pews, air conditioned buildings, ministering in safety to believers only. The call is a forceful seizing for His purpose and His only. And it means giving of your life. So now will you answer the call knowing the outcome? What do you hear?
Matthew 11:12 'the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it'.
Yes, the way to heaven is straight and narrow, that road takes you there. You'll get there either way, fighting in the field or in comfortable pews. This forceful calling is for everyone, but only few will understand that piercing in their hearts and answer, 'here I am Lord, take all of me, use me for Your glory'. I must decrease, You must increase...
Video & Song
'Mighty To Save' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_yVAYuK7YE0&feature=related
More now than ever in my walk am I realizing what it means to 'follow Him'. As I shed all my need for any worldly possession I am being prepared as a warrior for battle. Everything I need is being supplied by the Commander, boot camp survival (and I do mean that) training, full armor including a precision Sword, Training Manual, battle plans, strategy, the location of the battle, and the enemy. This war is a rescue mission and the battle field is fierce and forceful. And to my surprise, not that I see myself as 'wonder woman' or some type of gladiator strong woman, I signed up. I signed up?!!! No, actually I've been signed up and the calling is greater that the need to retreat or say 'not this time Lord'.
The battle is not with flesh and blood, Ephesians 6:12, am I happy about that with this aging body! The battle is being prepared all over the world for the coming of the Lord. He is gathering together those who are answering the call and will listen to every detail and plan in the last hour. The battle is in the field, where the fruit is being gathered for the final harvest. They stand ready in the field, all looking in one direction. There will never be a battle as this and we have been chosen. What an honor, He called you and me!!!!!
Luke 10:2 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out more workers into his harvest field.'
There are no church walls, self contained, comfortable, soft pews, air conditioned buildings, ministering in safety to believers only. The call is a forceful seizing for His purpose and His only. And it means giving of your life. So now will you answer the call knowing the outcome? What do you hear?
Matthew 11:12 'the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it'.
Yes, the way to heaven is straight and narrow, that road takes you there. You'll get there either way, fighting in the field or in comfortable pews. This forceful calling is for everyone, but only few will understand that piercing in their hearts and answer, 'here I am Lord, take all of me, use me for Your glory'. I must decrease, You must increase...
Video & Song
'Mighty To Save' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_yVAYuK7YE0&feature=related
Sunday
May 25, 2008 Desert Testing
Desert Testing
If you've every been in a desert you will soon see how dangerous the heat can be. Quickly dehydrating everything in sight. Without water in the desert it is estimated you would only live about 3 days. The air temperature soars to an average of 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit (no symbols on this email). The only life are those that store water or can find it in desert plants. And as far as sound, there is none, you can hear yourself breathe.
In deep desperate times in our lives it is like being in the desert. Dry, dehydrated without water, burning up in the heat, parched, silence. We search for answers and feel alone (notice I said 'feel'). In the silence, if patience doesn't have her perfect work, we can't see past the dry times. There is only one kind of desert testing I know, it is silent and dry and the purpose is to strengthen us and bring us to a place of deep searching. We can fight all we want, try to run away, to find the desert is a vast place.
There is a saying in the desert towns, 'In the desert you will find your soul'. You will, you don't even need to be physically in the desert. When it is time for this test, the desert comes to you. When the silence and dry times come we have one of two choices, to live or to die. Because once we are in the desert there is no running away, you must find a way out or die.
Sounds like a sad ending to this story, but it isn't...ever. If you keep walking straight ahead you will eventually find your way to water, and a refreshing new appreciation for life. And when you look back you will see the desert is a very necessary place for growth and really a beautiful place.
Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.
Can you imagine...40 years?!!! We can survive it!!!
Video & Song
'The Prayer' Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aJhxmdyGC5c&feature=related
Saturday
May 24, 2008 Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
There is no lack in the number of ads enticing wealth and splendor. You can have it all. But at what cost? I see ads promising the rainbow, interviews with people sitting on their yachts in the Caribbean, telling their stories of how easy it is to have all 'this'. 'Sit back and let the money roll in!' Who takes the time to see if the set ups are a lie, those being interviewed are actors, if the promises are false advertising? The frenzy of wanting more and more and more is crazy. When do we see what it has done to us? Where is the end to this madness?
Here's another lie, (quote):
Wealth may be an excellent thing, for it means power, and it means leisure, it means liberty. James Lowell
And Ralph Waldo Emerson has it right:
Money often costs too much.
Peter and John as they entered the temple gate a man crippled from birth asked for money as he laid on a mat at the gate called Beautiful. Peter fixed his eyes on him and said 'Look at us', "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
They gave everything they had. Relying completely on the hand of God to supply their daily bread. They laid it all down to be able to lift each other up. They lived by faith, not by money.
Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.(Unfathomable to us in this wealthy nation!!) 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart (oh, that we could comprehend this!), 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Man cannot serve God and mammon or money. And with the above scripture the misinterpretation in past history that 'common' meant 'commune or sect'. It is possible to live autonomous lives and walk in this untamed faith with God without going from bondage to money to bondage to man. If I serve God, He wants me to depend on Him for all my needs, If I serve money and strive for riches and to make more of 'it' I depend on 'it' to supply all my needs.
There is one choice here.
What is your final answer? This is between you and God.
Financial Freedom; here's the bondage.
Mark 8:36 "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Will you lose your life for Him?
Video & Song
'Walk By Faith' Jeremy Camp
http://youtube.com/watch?v=r9WXUlERHKc&feature=related
There is no lack in the number of ads enticing wealth and splendor. You can have it all. But at what cost? I see ads promising the rainbow, interviews with people sitting on their yachts in the Caribbean, telling their stories of how easy it is to have all 'this'. 'Sit back and let the money roll in!' Who takes the time to see if the set ups are a lie, those being interviewed are actors, if the promises are false advertising? The frenzy of wanting more and more and more is crazy. When do we see what it has done to us? Where is the end to this madness?
Here's another lie, (quote):
Wealth may be an excellent thing, for it means power, and it means leisure, it means liberty. James Lowell
And Ralph Waldo Emerson has it right:
Money often costs too much.
Peter and John as they entered the temple gate a man crippled from birth asked for money as he laid on a mat at the gate called Beautiful. Peter fixed his eyes on him and said 'Look at us', "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
They gave everything they had. Relying completely on the hand of God to supply their daily bread. They laid it all down to be able to lift each other up. They lived by faith, not by money.
Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.(Unfathomable to us in this wealthy nation!!) 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart (oh, that we could comprehend this!), 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Man cannot serve God and mammon or money. And with the above scripture the misinterpretation in past history that 'common' meant 'commune or sect'. It is possible to live autonomous lives and walk in this untamed faith with God without going from bondage to money to bondage to man. If I serve God, He wants me to depend on Him for all my needs, If I serve money and strive for riches and to make more of 'it' I depend on 'it' to supply all my needs.
There is one choice here.
What is your final answer? This is between you and God.
Financial Freedom; here's the bondage.
Mark 8:36 "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Will you lose your life for Him?
Video & Song
'Walk By Faith' Jeremy Camp
http://youtube.com/watch?v=r9WXUlERHKc&feature=related
Friday
May 23, 2008 Chew Well and Swallow
Chew Well and Swallow
Masticate and cogitate to assimilate.
'The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.' Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Job 23:8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Rhema, the spoken word. It fills us with faith, hope and love. Just as we eat daily bread, as He speaks to you and me, it fills our hearts and souls. It is this daily bread that we ponder and digest for spiritual life. Giving thanks for every morsel, every crumb, even the ones that fall on the floor, as with the Phoenician woman. This bread of life is Jesus.
I'll take the left overs, even the crumbs. they are as rich as the piece, right out of the oven. Let His word be...being filled to the fullest, overflowing in you. This is my unsatiated hunger...for His love, this hunger cannot be removed. I am desperate for Him.
Happy Birthday, my precious sister Annette!!
Video & Song
'Power of Your Love' Rebecca St. James
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE
Masticate and cogitate to assimilate.
'The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.' Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Job 23:8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Rhema, the spoken word. It fills us with faith, hope and love. Just as we eat daily bread, as He speaks to you and me, it fills our hearts and souls. It is this daily bread that we ponder and digest for spiritual life. Giving thanks for every morsel, every crumb, even the ones that fall on the floor, as with the Phoenician woman. This bread of life is Jesus.
I'll take the left overs, even the crumbs. they are as rich as the piece, right out of the oven. Let His word be...being filled to the fullest, overflowing in you. This is my unsatiated hunger...for His love, this hunger cannot be removed. I am desperate for Him.
Happy Birthday, my precious sister Annette!!
Video & Song
'Power of Your Love' Rebecca St. James
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE
Thursday
May 22, 2008, Speak
Speak
Psalm 30:9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
When we speak it can be used to build up or tear down, with love or hate.
Speak..
with gentle words Job 41:3
deceit Psalm 5:9
with deception Psalm 12:2
with arrogance Psalm Psalm 17:10
of Your righteousness Psalm 35:28
of Your faithfulness Psalm 30:10
evil Psalm 109:20
what is right Proverbs 8:6
knowledge Proverbs 20:15
And Profoundly Speak
1 Corinthians 13:1 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
We can speak in all manner conceivable to man. Speak with the highest form of understanding and knowledge, speak to God, but without unconditional, transcending, transforming, love, freely given, to each other, the very ones who are created in His image, we have nothing, not even the ability to be heard. Because without love when we speak, it hurts the listeners ears, from all the peripheral noise to cover up the darkness in our hearts.
And as my journey will continue until the second birth, I see that the process to love 'profoundly' is a process that gently comes as we surrender to His unconditional love and let His profound unconditional love transcend, transform us moment by moment, day by day.
Sometimes it is better not to speak, but let Him speak to us, washing us and cleansing
us so that we may be able to love with His love.
Video & Song
'Word of God Speak' Mercy Me
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsoiI8XhpmY&feature=related
Psalm 30:9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
When we speak it can be used to build up or tear down, with love or hate.
Speak..
with gentle words Job 41:3
deceit Psalm 5:9
with deception Psalm 12:2
with arrogance Psalm Psalm 17:10
of Your righteousness Psalm 35:28
of Your faithfulness Psalm 30:10
evil Psalm 109:20
what is right Proverbs 8:6
knowledge Proverbs 20:15
And Profoundly Speak
1 Corinthians 13:1 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
We can speak in all manner conceivable to man. Speak with the highest form of understanding and knowledge, speak to God, but without unconditional, transcending, transforming, love, freely given, to each other, the very ones who are created in His image, we have nothing, not even the ability to be heard. Because without love when we speak, it hurts the listeners ears, from all the peripheral noise to cover up the darkness in our hearts.
And as my journey will continue until the second birth, I see that the process to love 'profoundly' is a process that gently comes as we surrender to His unconditional love and let His profound unconditional love transcend, transform us moment by moment, day by day.
Sometimes it is better not to speak, but let Him speak to us, washing us and cleansing
us so that we may be able to love with His love.
Video & Song
'Word of God Speak' Mercy Me
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsoiI8XhpmY&feature=related
Wednesday
May 21, 2008 Storms
In The Storm
I am still singing Your praise, through it all, it doesn't matter, the storms, yes I can come out on the other side.
Luke 8:22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
He did say 'let's go to the other side of the lake' and it was the other side of the storm. In the midst of it, they did lose faith, thought they were going drown! Isn't this what we do (every time? well, maybe not every time, well..hmm?). Here's the storm and we're blinded, lost, fighting our way through the blinding rain. Then when the storm settles, ahhhh peace. I see it, they're trials and tests, everyone of them.
We either have the choice to drown or go to the other side, even when Jesus is sleeping, which He never does, but did while He was man, so now He stands quietly with us in the middle of these storms (tests or trials).
And if we lose faith, He will lift us up out of the water!
Video & Song
'Unchanging' Chris Tomlin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vrGbVmfOw1A&feature=related
I am still singing Your praise, through it all, it doesn't matter, the storms, yes I can come out on the other side.
Luke 8:22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
He did say 'let's go to the other side of the lake' and it was the other side of the storm. In the midst of it, they did lose faith, thought they were going drown! Isn't this what we do (every time? well, maybe not every time, well..hmm?). Here's the storm and we're blinded, lost, fighting our way through the blinding rain. Then when the storm settles, ahhhh peace. I see it, they're trials and tests, everyone of them.
We either have the choice to drown or go to the other side, even when Jesus is sleeping, which He never does, but did while He was man, so now He stands quietly with us in the middle of these storms (tests or trials).
And if we lose faith, He will lift us up out of the water!
Video & Song
'Unchanging' Chris Tomlin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vrGbVmfOw1A&feature=related
Tuesday
May 20, 2008, A Love Letter
A Love Letter
I love you with a love greater than you can comprehend. As far as the east is from the west so is My love for you. I prepare a place for you that you may live with me forever. The vastness of my love cannot be measured, it is infinite. My love is like the roaring ocean as far as your eye can see both wide and deep. Filled with every good thing. My desire is for you to love Me to turn and see Me and hear Me and be blessed. Every gift and every perfect gift comes from Me. My love is higher than the highest mountain. My love is in every man I created in My image. My love cannot be measured. No man can give you this love. It is I the Lord your God who loves you. I love you more than you can comprehend. I am the beginning and the end and there is no measure of the love I have for you.
_________________
If you are still and listen, you will hear His voice. His word is in you because He created you. Each and every created man and woman, boy and girl, adult, child and baby have been created in His image. A dear friend made me aware of this and I will never forget to pay attention as I think about each one I know personally and read anything they have written, I hear their voice when I read. How much more that I would hear His voice as I read His love letter. And it is a love letter. I've had some say that the Old Testament is anger and rage of God. But actually as I read it again now, I see love. I see compassion for His people, Israel. There wasn't one time that in His infinite love and compassion for them that He didn't turn His face toward them. Think about it. We wouldn't be here if He didn't love us. Our personal choices that we make are our own and the consequences have nothing to do with God. We have the freedom to choose and in our freedom to choose it adds to understanding how much more He loves us.... without control.
And by the way, after the devastating earthquake in China I was reading some blog entries and comments regarding this. I am so grieved by the comments that are referring to the disaster being related to God's wrath. Comments from every belief, without compassion. If I am grieved in my heart, how much more God must be grieved.
And in regard to the woman caught in adultery, Jesus says, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8
This song keeps ringin in my ears from church Sunday...
Video & Song
'How Can I Keep From Singing' Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY
I love you with a love greater than you can comprehend. As far as the east is from the west so is My love for you. I prepare a place for you that you may live with me forever. The vastness of my love cannot be measured, it is infinite. My love is like the roaring ocean as far as your eye can see both wide and deep. Filled with every good thing. My desire is for you to love Me to turn and see Me and hear Me and be blessed. Every gift and every perfect gift comes from Me. My love is higher than the highest mountain. My love is in every man I created in My image. My love cannot be measured. No man can give you this love. It is I the Lord your God who loves you. I love you more than you can comprehend. I am the beginning and the end and there is no measure of the love I have for you.
_________________
If you are still and listen, you will hear His voice. His word is in you because He created you. Each and every created man and woman, boy and girl, adult, child and baby have been created in His image. A dear friend made me aware of this and I will never forget to pay attention as I think about each one I know personally and read anything they have written, I hear their voice when I read. How much more that I would hear His voice as I read His love letter. And it is a love letter. I've had some say that the Old Testament is anger and rage of God. But actually as I read it again now, I see love. I see compassion for His people, Israel. There wasn't one time that in His infinite love and compassion for them that He didn't turn His face toward them. Think about it. We wouldn't be here if He didn't love us. Our personal choices that we make are our own and the consequences have nothing to do with God. We have the freedom to choose and in our freedom to choose it adds to understanding how much more He loves us.... without control.
And by the way, after the devastating earthquake in China I was reading some blog entries and comments regarding this. I am so grieved by the comments that are referring to the disaster being related to God's wrath. Comments from every belief, without compassion. If I am grieved in my heart, how much more God must be grieved.
And in regard to the woman caught in adultery, Jesus says, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8
This song keeps ringin in my ears from church Sunday...
Video & Song
'How Can I Keep From Singing' Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY
Monday
May 19, 2008 Trust
Trust
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Wiith all my heart, all my heart and not my understanding. Yes, I acknowledge Him, even when everything fails, Lord, you are still here, always, you make my paths straight.
Through each test. Regardless of the trials, tribulation, whatever is thrown at me, I will continue to trust in You, always. You will show me the way.
You carry me in everlasting arms, through it all.
Video & Song
'Through It All' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=33aGaYAZvL4
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Wiith all my heart, all my heart and not my understanding. Yes, I acknowledge Him, even when everything fails, Lord, you are still here, always, you make my paths straight.
Through each test. Regardless of the trials, tribulation, whatever is thrown at me, I will continue to trust in You, always. You will show me the way.
You carry me in everlasting arms, through it all.
Video & Song
'Through It All' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=33aGaYAZvL4
Sunday
May 18, 2008 Serve
Serve
Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
What do we see? What is it we live for? There are two choices. Light and darkness. It is interesting in the context of this scripture, what the eye sees is either GOD or MONEY. We cannot serve God and money. Where is our heart? Is it with God or with building up worldly treasure? If your eye sees the truth, you are full of His light, you serve God and God alone.
This isn't a command or a wish, only a prayer. That our eyes may see the difference. That we will serve God and not money (mammon riches or treasure).
Video & Song
'Captivate Us' Watermark
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zIJR0h6BDTY
Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
What do we see? What is it we live for? There are two choices. Light and darkness. It is interesting in the context of this scripture, what the eye sees is either GOD or MONEY. We cannot serve God and money. Where is our heart? Is it with God or with building up worldly treasure? If your eye sees the truth, you are full of His light, you serve God and God alone.
This isn't a command or a wish, only a prayer. That our eyes may see the difference. That we will serve God and not money (mammon riches or treasure).
Video & Song
'Captivate Us' Watermark
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zIJR0h6BDTY
Saturday
May 17, 2008 Fear
Fear
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." FDR
"Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is." German Proverb
Why do we have fear? Fear shows up on faces everywhere. Fear drives our actions. It drives wealthy corporate executives reaching for more, impoverished reaching for enough, addictions, rage, destruction, actions and reactions, war, being desperate, hoarding, control or complete lack of it. It is the heart's vault. Fear is the frenzied despair and the need to be seen and the same frenzy to keep from being seen. Once fear is open and honestly expressed, it melts like wax to reveal faith, hope, and love that has been given to us as 'truth' to set us free. The original source of fear is the absence of love.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. NIV
Laying down fear opens the door for new passion and transformation...Every dream is fueled by God's love.....
'The barbarian call confronts us with all we love and all we fear. We resist love to avoid pain and squelch our dreams out of fear of failure. For the Spirit of God to unleash dreams and visions within our souls, we must become free to risk and to fail. Every dream born of God is fueled by love. Every conversation to be had with God challenges the boundaries of our imagination. When we turn to God, His love transforms us and ignites a new passion within us. All that we have loved is consumed by the passions of a new heart. We discover the power and force of love in its purest form. At the same time, when we turn our hearts toward God, all of our fears are consumed by one fear. We are called to fear only God. There is an important reason for this. What we fear is what we're subject to; our fears define our master. Where there is no fear there is no control. When we fear God and God only, we are no longer bound by all the other fears that would hold us captive.' The Barbarian Way, by Erwin McManus p.101
We find perfect love that cannot be matched by anyone and it is only one place from one Savior. He is calling us out to a place of raw, untamed faith, fearing nothing but God who takes us to depths that we never could venture on our own plan. He is always love, always safe, always our protector and gives us strength to go in His Name.
Video & Song
'How Deep The Father's Love' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z8-DKIbLDp0
(This calming voice and songs are like a soothing balm)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." FDR
"Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is." German Proverb
Why do we have fear? Fear shows up on faces everywhere. Fear drives our actions. It drives wealthy corporate executives reaching for more, impoverished reaching for enough, addictions, rage, destruction, actions and reactions, war, being desperate, hoarding, control or complete lack of it. It is the heart's vault. Fear is the frenzied despair and the need to be seen and the same frenzy to keep from being seen. Once fear is open and honestly expressed, it melts like wax to reveal faith, hope, and love that has been given to us as 'truth' to set us free. The original source of fear is the absence of love.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. NIV
Laying down fear opens the door for new passion and transformation...Every dream is fueled by God's love.....
'The barbarian call confronts us with all we love and all we fear. We resist love to avoid pain and squelch our dreams out of fear of failure. For the Spirit of God to unleash dreams and visions within our souls, we must become free to risk and to fail. Every dream born of God is fueled by love. Every conversation to be had with God challenges the boundaries of our imagination. When we turn to God, His love transforms us and ignites a new passion within us. All that we have loved is consumed by the passions of a new heart. We discover the power and force of love in its purest form. At the same time, when we turn our hearts toward God, all of our fears are consumed by one fear. We are called to fear only God. There is an important reason for this. What we fear is what we're subject to; our fears define our master. Where there is no fear there is no control. When we fear God and God only, we are no longer bound by all the other fears that would hold us captive.' The Barbarian Way, by Erwin McManus p.101
We find perfect love that cannot be matched by anyone and it is only one place from one Savior. He is calling us out to a place of raw, untamed faith, fearing nothing but God who takes us to depths that we never could venture on our own plan. He is always love, always safe, always our protector and gives us strength to go in His Name.
Video & Song
'How Deep The Father's Love' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z8-DKIbLDp0
(This calming voice and songs are like a soothing balm)
Friday
May 16, 2008 Tricycle to Bicycle
From Tricycle to Bicycle...
Remember? The security of 3 little wheels and not venturing out too far to get into trouble. Happy-go-lucky. Then that day came with such excitement your first bike with training wheels!! Little wobbly but really getting the feel for it, pretending like you were free to ride the bike without those two little wheels. Even balancing so that those little wheels sometimes didn't touch the ground, thinking that you were something. Then the big day comes! You're still not on your own just yet. Usually there was someone to push start you, running beside you to make sure you didn't fall. Then voila' you're off!!! Oh, oops, you fell down, ohhhhh, so sorry, but you get up. Try it again!! Wow, each time a little more stable, a little more sure of the balance. You're doing good....you've got it and your on your way.... oops there's a bump!! Watch out!! Ohhhhh, so sorry again.
Well that's life!! It truly is. Okay so this is what I remember, and suspect that if not exact this story is very similar to yours and here we are still hitting bumps, and holes and skidding through life. Scraped, bruised (hopefully no broken bones, ouch!! Sorry if that happened) but we continue to get up. Yes, we get up over and over again. We must!!
We persevere, we've been created to do that. We press on, find another way, improve the old way, and if that doesn't work we look to Him for help. Oops, 'if that doesn't work'? Why wait till we fall down, He is always there, that is Jesus. He is our stability as the first bike with training wheels, and we are free to ride without them.
That's life!!
I am so glad this came to my heart. It is one of my most favorite scriptures.
Isaiah 45:2 "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name."
Video & Song
'Give Me Jesus' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FxKy_NxB398
How about that? I didn't know Fernando sang this song.
I'm stuck on his songs these days. Sure helps me be still in my spirit.
How simple but how beautiful!
Remember? The security of 3 little wheels and not venturing out too far to get into trouble. Happy-go-lucky. Then that day came with such excitement your first bike with training wheels!! Little wobbly but really getting the feel for it, pretending like you were free to ride the bike without those two little wheels. Even balancing so that those little wheels sometimes didn't touch the ground, thinking that you were something. Then the big day comes! You're still not on your own just yet. Usually there was someone to push start you, running beside you to make sure you didn't fall. Then voila' you're off!!! Oh, oops, you fell down, ohhhhh, so sorry, but you get up. Try it again!! Wow, each time a little more stable, a little more sure of the balance. You're doing good....you've got it and your on your way.... oops there's a bump!! Watch out!! Ohhhhh, so sorry again.
Well that's life!! It truly is. Okay so this is what I remember, and suspect that if not exact this story is very similar to yours and here we are still hitting bumps, and holes and skidding through life. Scraped, bruised (hopefully no broken bones, ouch!! Sorry if that happened) but we continue to get up. Yes, we get up over and over again. We must!!
We persevere, we've been created to do that. We press on, find another way, improve the old way, and if that doesn't work we look to Him for help. Oops, 'if that doesn't work'? Why wait till we fall down, He is always there, that is Jesus. He is our stability as the first bike with training wheels, and we are free to ride without them.
That's life!!
I am so glad this came to my heart. It is one of my most favorite scriptures.
Isaiah 45:2 "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name."
Video & Song
'Give Me Jesus' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FxKy_NxB398
How about that? I didn't know Fernando sang this song.
I'm stuck on his songs these days. Sure helps me be still in my spirit.
How simple but how beautiful!
Thursday
May 15, 2008 Shalom
Shalom
Psalm 85:1 You showed favor to your land, O Lord; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Selah 3 You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. 4 Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Righteousness and Shalom (completeness, quiet, tranquility, contentment, with God in covenant relationship) kiss, they come together, joined. As God justifies us, His peace holds us still in our souls. Stand in His stillness and allow Him to bring all His goodness together (kissed, fused, joined, united) with such love and glorious, unimaginable beauty.
In our lives in its frenzy of having and doing and being here and there, time to be still must be planned, a conscious plan to find the stillness of these experiences.
Restoration within you is always available. This is a message of His saving grace, His unconditional love the fruit of His Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5), Seek and find peace, find the stillness as it kisses 'within' you.
Shalom
Video & Song
'Peace Like A River' Isaacs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kvn2TqAOnDc&feature=related
(I'm really enjoying some older worship these days)
Psalm 85:1 You showed favor to your land, O Lord; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Selah 3 You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. 4 Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Righteousness and Shalom (completeness, quiet, tranquility, contentment, with God in covenant relationship) kiss, they come together, joined. As God justifies us, His peace holds us still in our souls. Stand in His stillness and allow Him to bring all His goodness together (kissed, fused, joined, united) with such love and glorious, unimaginable beauty.
In our lives in its frenzy of having and doing and being here and there, time to be still must be planned, a conscious plan to find the stillness of these experiences.
Restoration within you is always available. This is a message of His saving grace, His unconditional love the fruit of His Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5), Seek and find peace, find the stillness as it kisses 'within' you.
Shalom
Video & Song
'Peace Like A River' Isaacs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kvn2TqAOnDc&feature=related
(I'm really enjoying some older worship these days)
Wednesday
May 14, 2008, Run The Race
Run The Race
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
The race is long and hard, many times you think you want to give up from weakness, pain and exhaustion but you don't. It is one race that will be finished, there is no giving up. Everyone crosses the finish line. Over the last few days I said this to my dad a few times, I know he heard me. 'Dad, you fought a good fight, you finished the race, don't look back, run straight into His arms'. We are all running a race and we all one day will finish our race, crossing the finish line straight into glory as we long for His appearing.
And believe me, you know it's true, our spirits will testify, He Is Appearing Again.
We're running a wonderful race.
Video & Song
'How Deep The Father's Love For Us' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n8tUP1R6hPo
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
The race is long and hard, many times you think you want to give up from weakness, pain and exhaustion but you don't. It is one race that will be finished, there is no giving up. Everyone crosses the finish line. Over the last few days I said this to my dad a few times, I know he heard me. 'Dad, you fought a good fight, you finished the race, don't look back, run straight into His arms'. We are all running a race and we all one day will finish our race, crossing the finish line straight into glory as we long for His appearing.
And believe me, you know it's true, our spirits will testify, He Is Appearing Again.
We're running a wonderful race.
Video & Song
'How Deep The Father's Love For Us' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n8tUP1R6hPo
Tuesday
May 13, 2008 Every Need
Luke 12:7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. Matthew 6:8
'Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may
heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul' John Muir
It certainly is beyond us, beyond our understanding as we continue to come back to a place
to learn that we are always taken care of, gently guided by the hand of a God who cares. Everything that we need in this life is abundantly supplied whether we acknowledge it or not. His promise is, He will never leave us or forsake us and when our numbered days, have ended, they are only beginning.
My thoughts in these days are focused on life and birth. I prefer birth than 'death' because
I believe it is.
Video & Song
'Be Thou My Vision' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8GIMvnHlyNs
Our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. Matthew 6:8
'Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may
heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul' John Muir
It certainly is beyond us, beyond our understanding as we continue to come back to a place
to learn that we are always taken care of, gently guided by the hand of a God who cares. Everything that we need in this life is abundantly supplied whether we acknowledge it or not. His promise is, He will never leave us or forsake us and when our numbered days, have ended, they are only beginning.
My thoughts in these days are focused on life and birth. I prefer birth than 'death' because
I believe it is.
Video & Song
'Be Thou My Vision' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8GIMvnHlyNs
Monday
May 12, 2008 Heaven Is A Beautiful Place
Heaven Is A Beautiful Place
Mothers' Day, yesterday, was a day of grieving and joy. My dad went to be with the Lord face to face with Him in Heaven. I was deeply moved and blessed and loved to be able to be with him through the day before yesterday and experiencing such an incredible love of the Lord as He prepared my dad to be with Him so gently and peacefully until He walked him through the gates of Heaven yesterday morning. Then a precious, quiet time with Ken and my two sons Josh and Jesse and ending the day by skimming through almost 30 years of photos, probably thousands of photos, (if not, pretty close). Boy do I need to start some scrap books!! I was one packrat, but definitely worth it all. Photos of my dad and mom, my sons, Ken and I, family, friends, sports, vacations, certainly a life full of excitement and love as I looked at each of us age and my sons grow from birth though an incredible shared journey of our lives together. And R.S., I was wrong, yes pictures do capture the moments and cherished memories and so worth it!
Heaven
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy" And Eskimo Proverb
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Trying to find something to show my experience as I held my dad's hand and listended to his heart, I knew his journey was to this beautiful place.
Video & Song 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5tSJrmhrtcw
(And even though the photos in this video are not my family, it sure represents what I'm trying to say.)
Mothers' Day, yesterday, was a day of grieving and joy. My dad went to be with the Lord face to face with Him in Heaven. I was deeply moved and blessed and loved to be able to be with him through the day before yesterday and experiencing such an incredible love of the Lord as He prepared my dad to be with Him so gently and peacefully until He walked him through the gates of Heaven yesterday morning. Then a precious, quiet time with Ken and my two sons Josh and Jesse and ending the day by skimming through almost 30 years of photos, probably thousands of photos, (if not, pretty close). Boy do I need to start some scrap books!! I was one packrat, but definitely worth it all. Photos of my dad and mom, my sons, Ken and I, family, friends, sports, vacations, certainly a life full of excitement and love as I looked at each of us age and my sons grow from birth though an incredible shared journey of our lives together. And R.S., I was wrong, yes pictures do capture the moments and cherished memories and so worth it!
Heaven
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy" And Eskimo Proverb
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Trying to find something to show my experience as I held my dad's hand and listended to his heart, I knew his journey was to this beautiful place.
Video & Song 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness' Fernando Ortega
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5tSJrmhrtcw
(And even though the photos in this video are not my family, it sure represents what I'm trying to say.)
Sunday
May 11, 2008, Mother
MOTHER
Thank you Mary for this dedication. I am forwarding it to share it with you. This is a wonderful dedication to mothers everywhere...To you if you are a mom, and to you as you remember mom. They are truly in us and a part of us, forever.
Happy Mother's Day to you this special day
This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece. Please read this at a slow pace, digesting every word and in leisure...do not hurry....this is a treasure...For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful. For those of us who aren't, this is even more beautiful. For those who are moms, you'll love this.
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. 'Isthis the long way?' she asked. And the guide said: 'Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it.. But the end will be better than the beginning.'
But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, 'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'
Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, 'Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.'
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children,' A little patience and we are there. 'So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, 'Mother, we would not have done it without you.' And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, 'This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I 've given them strength.
'And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: 'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. ' And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness.' And that night the Mother said, 'This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God.'
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, 'I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.'
And the children said, 'You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.' And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: 'We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.......'Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space... not even death!
PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS & CHILDREN YOU KNOW. MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED... Pass it on to the men...because they have mothers, too.
Thank you Mary for this dedication. I am forwarding it to share it with you. This is a wonderful dedication to mothers everywhere...To you if you are a mom, and to you as you remember mom. They are truly in us and a part of us, forever.
Happy Mother's Day to you this special day
This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece. Please read this at a slow pace, digesting every word and in leisure...do not hurry....this is a treasure...For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful. For those of us who aren't, this is even more beautiful. For those who are moms, you'll love this.
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. 'Isthis the long way?' she asked. And the guide said: 'Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it.. But the end will be better than the beginning.'
But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, 'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'
Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, 'Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.'
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children,' A little patience and we are there. 'So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, 'Mother, we would not have done it without you.' And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, 'This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I 've given them strength.
'And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: 'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. ' And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness.' And that night the Mother said, 'This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God.'
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, 'I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.'
And the children said, 'You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.' And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: 'We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.......'Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space... not even death!
PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS & CHILDREN YOU KNOW. MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED... Pass it on to the men...because they have mothers, too.
Saturday
May 10, 2008, Into The Closet
Into The Closet
Closet; a state or condition of secrecy or carefully guarded privacy;
Tamieion/Greek; chamber, storeroom
Matthew 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place (Tamieion) so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. ____The Message
Every once in a while I get caught up on literal word translation to search a deeper meaning many times lost in English translation. If available I will speak to someone fluent and native to the language, which helps greatly. I am astonished sometimes by the depth of meaning in the original words used lost in translation.
This word today that I am 'laboring' over is 'closet' Tamieion/Greek (no Greek character font for email) and after searching in Greek/English Lexicons and Perseus Greek/English translator here's what I found. The word 'tamieion/closet', as found in the Old King James literally is 'storeroom or chamber', digging deeper in other Greek/English translators the meaning comes up 'treasury'. This is the 'innermost secret room of a house, where the treasury or money-box is secured'.
In the same chapter in Matthew verses 19, 20 and 21, 'thesauros/treasury' (recognize the word?) the place in which goods and precious things are collected and laid up; a casket, coffer, or other receptacle, in which valuables are kept; a treasury; storehouse, repository, magazine; the things laid up in a treasury, collected treasures.
Matthew 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
'Lay' also here is 'thesauros and root thesaurizo, 'accumulate, store up'.
It is interesting to me that the English translation has a crossover in meaning to two different precise words. Tamieion, translated as closet is actually treasury or place where the treasure is stored, and thesauros is also treasury, actually the accumulation of treasure.
Regardless of the laboring over the literal, the general message is by the Spirit of the Word, that the center most part of our prayer life is the heart or kardia'. the center of our 'being', where 'thesauros' is found. He is calling us to go deep within ourselves where we abide with Him. Where His richness and treasure are and we find His gentle soft voice saying, 'I will never leave you, I will never forsake you'.
Throughout this chapter we learn how to pray, what to pray, where to pray, and afterwards expectation, building faith with patience. For today is today, and tomorrow will take care of tomorrow.
Your thesauros is within your kardia'.
Can't get more peace than that!
Video & Song
'What If My People Prayed' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UXoPuIN8jes&feature=related
Closet; a state or condition of secrecy or carefully guarded privacy;
Tamieion/Greek; chamber, storeroom
Matthew 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place (Tamieion) so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. ____The Message
Every once in a while I get caught up on literal word translation to search a deeper meaning many times lost in English translation. If available I will speak to someone fluent and native to the language, which helps greatly. I am astonished sometimes by the depth of meaning in the original words used lost in translation.
This word today that I am 'laboring' over is 'closet' Tamieion/Greek (no Greek character font for email) and after searching in Greek/English Lexicons and Perseus Greek/English translator here's what I found. The word 'tamieion/closet', as found in the Old King James literally is 'storeroom or chamber', digging deeper in other Greek/English translators the meaning comes up 'treasury'. This is the 'innermost secret room of a house, where the treasury or money-box is secured'.
In the same chapter in Matthew verses 19, 20 and 21, 'thesauros/treasury' (recognize the word?) the place in which goods and precious things are collected and laid up; a casket, coffer, or other receptacle, in which valuables are kept; a treasury; storehouse, repository, magazine; the things laid up in a treasury, collected treasures.
Matthew 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
'Lay' also here is 'thesauros and root thesaurizo, 'accumulate, store up'.
It is interesting to me that the English translation has a crossover in meaning to two different precise words. Tamieion, translated as closet is actually treasury or place where the treasure is stored, and thesauros is also treasury, actually the accumulation of treasure.
Regardless of the laboring over the literal, the general message is by the Spirit of the Word, that the center most part of our prayer life is the heart or kardia'. the center of our 'being', where 'thesauros' is found. He is calling us to go deep within ourselves where we abide with Him. Where His richness and treasure are and we find His gentle soft voice saying, 'I will never leave you, I will never forsake you'.
Throughout this chapter we learn how to pray, what to pray, where to pray, and afterwards expectation, building faith with patience. For today is today, and tomorrow will take care of tomorrow.
Your thesauros is within your kardia'.
Can't get more peace than that!
Video & Song
'What If My People Prayed' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UXoPuIN8jes&feature=related
Friday
May 9, 2008, Fearfully Made
Fearfully Made
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Yare' (Hebrew) Fearfully (in awe). It is awesome, magnificent, remarkable and sacred, a child being formed in a mother's womb. He knew you and ordained your days before you existed. WOW!! Our steps are ordered, and as we submit to His perfect will, step by step through life being all that you have been called to be in submission to Him, our days which are numbered, in awe of His works and continuing glory in our lives, we will see Him face to face, even now.
He was, He is, and He always will be; He knew us, knows us and will always know us, no one else created us.
Video & Song
'Place In This World' Michael W Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-fIMzFgbYOY&feature=related
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Yare' (Hebrew) Fearfully (in awe). It is awesome, magnificent, remarkable and sacred, a child being formed in a mother's womb. He knew you and ordained your days before you existed. WOW!! Our steps are ordered, and as we submit to His perfect will, step by step through life being all that you have been called to be in submission to Him, our days which are numbered, in awe of His works and continuing glory in our lives, we will see Him face to face, even now.
He was, He is, and He always will be; He knew us, knows us and will always know us, no one else created us.
Video & Song
'Place In This World' Michael W Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-fIMzFgbYOY&feature=related
Thursday
May 8, 2008, Understanding
Understanding
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Do we really understand?
Understand:
Biynah, Hebrew, comes from the root word, Biyn, and its word uses found in scripture are:
acted wisely 1. cared 1. clever 1, consider 8, consider carefully 1, considers 1, diligently consider 1, discern 9, discerned 2, discerning 9, discernment 1, explain 1, explained 1, feel 1, gain understanding 1, gave him understanding 1, gave me instruction 1, gaze 1, get understanding 1, give man an understanding 1, give me understanding 5, give you an understanding 1, give heed 1, give understanding 1, gives them understanding 1, gives understanding 1, has understanding 6, have understanding 1, have...understanding 1, intelligent 1, interpret 1, investigating 1, learned 1, look carefully 1, looked at him carefully 1, observe 1, observed 2, observing 1, paid close attention 1, pay heed 2, perceive 5, perceived 2, ponder 2, prudent 4, regard 1, show 1, show regard 2, show understanding 1, show...regard 1, skilled 1, skillful 4, taught 2, teacher 1, teachers 1, turn your attention 1, understand 35, understanding 14, understanding and he will gain 1, understanding and discerning 1, understands 6, understood 7
What is necessary in order for Him to direct our paths, what do we 'die to', 'let down', in order to get to the next step, 'in all your ways acknowledge Him? The three thoughts are unified and progressive at the same time. Look at the greatest commandment 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your mind and with all your soul, Matthew 22. The progression is in order to trust Him with all your heart, you must first love Him, in order to 'not' lean on your own understanding or discerning you must first trust Him and in order to acknowledge Him you must first understand him. In other words, Love comes first, then trusting, then understanding or discerning then acknowledging Him. Nothing preceeds love, because God is 'love'. This is what we all seek first.
Then we can let go and let Him have His perfect will in our lives, then..He will direct your paths after we have surrendered all the above.
Video & Song
'God of Wonders' Third Day
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1CBNE25rtnE
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Do we really understand?
Understand:
Biynah, Hebrew, comes from the root word, Biyn, and its word uses found in scripture are:
acted wisely 1. cared 1. clever 1, consider 8, consider carefully 1, considers 1, diligently consider 1, discern 9, discerned 2, discerning 9, discernment 1, explain 1, explained 1, feel 1, gain understanding 1, gave him understanding 1, gave me instruction 1, gaze 1, get understanding 1, give man an understanding 1, give me understanding 5, give you an understanding 1, give heed 1, give understanding 1, gives them understanding 1, gives understanding 1, has understanding 6, have understanding 1, have...understanding 1, intelligent 1, interpret 1, investigating 1, learned 1, look carefully 1, looked at him carefully 1, observe 1, observed 2, observing 1, paid close attention 1, pay heed 2, perceive 5, perceived 2, ponder 2, prudent 4, regard 1, show 1, show regard 2, show understanding 1, show...regard 1, skilled 1, skillful 4, taught 2, teacher 1, teachers 1, turn your attention 1, understand 35, understanding 14, understanding and he will gain 1, understanding and discerning 1, understands 6, understood 7
What is necessary in order for Him to direct our paths, what do we 'die to', 'let down', in order to get to the next step, 'in all your ways acknowledge Him? The three thoughts are unified and progressive at the same time. Look at the greatest commandment 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your mind and with all your soul, Matthew 22. The progression is in order to trust Him with all your heart, you must first love Him, in order to 'not' lean on your own understanding or discerning you must first trust Him and in order to acknowledge Him you must first understand him. In other words, Love comes first, then trusting, then understanding or discerning then acknowledging Him. Nothing preceeds love, because God is 'love'. This is what we all seek first.
Then we can let go and let Him have His perfect will in our lives, then..He will direct your paths after we have surrendered all the above.
Video & Song
'God of Wonders' Third Day
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1CBNE25rtnE
Wednesday
May 7, 2008, I Know Him
I Know Him
'Lord, what do you want me to say today?'
'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life'
There is nothing more to say, we know the Father because we know Jesus. John 14
Video & Song
'In Christ Alone' Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo&feature=related
'Lord, what do you want me to say today?'
'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life'
There is nothing more to say, we know the Father because we know Jesus. John 14
Video & Song
'In Christ Alone' Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo&feature=related
Tuesday
May 6, 2008, Love
Love
My love is everlasting; it lives, and will not die;
It walks among peoples everywhere unaware,
over joyed, sensational joy;
Caressing within our own hearts, living beings loving;
My purpose is love; and always was love;
Walk into journey's way; be content with what you have, always;
For I am with you always;
My love is everlasting, there is nothing else you need.
What else is there?
Video & Song
'Psalm 23'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SDostGq0rZo&feature=related
My love is everlasting; it lives, and will not die;
It walks among peoples everywhere unaware,
over joyed, sensational joy;
Caressing within our own hearts, living beings loving;
My purpose is love; and always was love;
Walk into journey's way; be content with what you have, always;
For I am with you always;
My love is everlasting, there is nothing else you need.
What else is there?
Video & Song
'Psalm 23'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SDostGq0rZo&feature=related
Monday
May 5, 2008, What Is It?
What makes a bad day end joyful, a hungry mouth find food, fear become fearless, bitterness find peace?
What begins life and ends with life, holds joy in the midst to pain, and perseverance in the midst of trials?
What sees every face encountered as a person worthwhile and a beautiful creation?
What travels miles and miles to comfort and makes decisions to leave important pursuits to hold a hand?
What takes the impossible and makes it possible, opens doors, picks up one who has fallen, carries someone who cannot walk, guide someone who cannot see?
What has a single beat that vibrates the earth to its core and raises glorious song in the heavens?
What gives us strength and holds us steadfast, keeps our feet planted in the face of adversity and rejection and threats and is like a soothing balm when hate comes straight at us to destroy us?
What is our shield, our lamp, our source, our rear guard, our path, our purpose?
What wipes tears, kisses and embraces?
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love Never Fails
Pslam 89:11 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Video & Song
'Every Man' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EQn1DEv4z3U&feature=related
What begins life and ends with life, holds joy in the midst to pain, and perseverance in the midst of trials?
What sees every face encountered as a person worthwhile and a beautiful creation?
What travels miles and miles to comfort and makes decisions to leave important pursuits to hold a hand?
What takes the impossible and makes it possible, opens doors, picks up one who has fallen, carries someone who cannot walk, guide someone who cannot see?
What has a single beat that vibrates the earth to its core and raises glorious song in the heavens?
What gives us strength and holds us steadfast, keeps our feet planted in the face of adversity and rejection and threats and is like a soothing balm when hate comes straight at us to destroy us?
What is our shield, our lamp, our source, our rear guard, our path, our purpose?
What wipes tears, kisses and embraces?
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love Never Fails
Pslam 89:11 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Video & Song
'Every Man' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EQn1DEv4z3U&feature=related
Sunday
May 4, 2008 Build A Wall
It must be something to build a wall.
Luke 6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
To factor in the bricks size and shape and weight. And to even feel the smoothness of the clay before it is fired and the texture once it is fired. Because the texture is added and doesn't come by itself.
And once the foundation is laid and the wall is erected what an amazing thing to see, not knowing the integrity or the weight except by engineering math.And not knowing the length of its days. Will it be like the Acropolis or the Parthenon or Pyramids? Will it be like sand castles on the beach or the Twin Towers or old nostalgic buildings demolished to make room for more concrete beauty.
I would like to think the foundation be permanent, but even that can be dug up and bulldozed. I would like to think the walls would be permanent but even that will come down, by hands as the Berlin Wall and if not by hands, earthquake or tornado, tidal wave, or tsunami.
Whatever is built by hands and man's power will never be permanent.
But whatever is built that comes down can always be rebuilt and it will continue to repeat the old until the foundation and structure and walls are tested with 'truth'. There is nothing that is permanent that is made with man's hands.
What is permanent is 'truth', He is the foundation. These walls will not be shaken or washed away.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Video & Song
'Come Thou Fount' Jars of Clay
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4f7tx25O9XM&feature=related
Luke 6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
To factor in the bricks size and shape and weight. And to even feel the smoothness of the clay before it is fired and the texture once it is fired. Because the texture is added and doesn't come by itself.
And once the foundation is laid and the wall is erected what an amazing thing to see, not knowing the integrity or the weight except by engineering math.And not knowing the length of its days. Will it be like the Acropolis or the Parthenon or Pyramids? Will it be like sand castles on the beach or the Twin Towers or old nostalgic buildings demolished to make room for more concrete beauty.
I would like to think the foundation be permanent, but even that can be dug up and bulldozed. I would like to think the walls would be permanent but even that will come down, by hands as the Berlin Wall and if not by hands, earthquake or tornado, tidal wave, or tsunami.
Whatever is built by hands and man's power will never be permanent.
But whatever is built that comes down can always be rebuilt and it will continue to repeat the old until the foundation and structure and walls are tested with 'truth'. There is nothing that is permanent that is made with man's hands.
What is permanent is 'truth', He is the foundation. These walls will not be shaken or washed away.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Video & Song
'Come Thou Fount' Jars of Clay
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4f7tx25O9XM&feature=related
Saturday
May 3, 2008, Nothing Ordinary
Nothing Ordinary
There is no such thing as ordinary.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
It is His light that He has given to us. Even the little children understand the song, 'This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine'. His light is in you, to overcome darkness. And in no way is it little; it is Him in us connecting us to become one heart, one mind, and one body. What unbelievable heaven on earth. We are reaching to each other in love, unconditional love which overcomes the flesh. It is Jesus in you who overcomes, it is Jesus in you who is light.
Let the light shine for all to see. 'Love on another as I love you'.
Nothing will ever be ordinary, but extraordinary.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
There is no such thing as ordinary.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
It is His light that He has given to us. Even the little children understand the song, 'This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine'. His light is in you, to overcome darkness. And in no way is it little; it is Him in us connecting us to become one heart, one mind, and one body. What unbelievable heaven on earth. We are reaching to each other in love, unconditional love which overcomes the flesh. It is Jesus in you who overcomes, it is Jesus in you who is light.
Let the light shine for all to see. 'Love on another as I love you'.
Nothing will ever be ordinary, but extraordinary.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
Friday
May 2, 2008, Time & Life
Time & Life
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It is not possible for me to write and not mention this journey of life as my family waits for my dad to walk from this present time to eternal time. Time, there is no time, reminds me that we are always alive with and in Him. And as I am present with my family, time seems to stand still for this moment. And everything about our purpose and His plan will all be brought together in our pain and suffering, then peace comes in His beautiful healing light.
There is peace knowing everything will be fine, and dad decides his time. Our separation will be temporary; what we do not see is eternal, what we see is temporary. We cannot comprehend the mind of God; we cannot know all things, and in this fraction of space and time all things are possible, this is where miracles happen, seen and unseen. Seen in this time and unseen is eternity.
Life and death and birth into temporary life; and life and death and birth into eternal life - into His eternal light, straight into the arms of Jesus.
Video & Song
'Marvelous Light', Charlie Hall
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0oA2ka7tnh8
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It is not possible for me to write and not mention this journey of life as my family waits for my dad to walk from this present time to eternal time. Time, there is no time, reminds me that we are always alive with and in Him. And as I am present with my family, time seems to stand still for this moment. And everything about our purpose and His plan will all be brought together in our pain and suffering, then peace comes in His beautiful healing light.
There is peace knowing everything will be fine, and dad decides his time. Our separation will be temporary; what we do not see is eternal, what we see is temporary. We cannot comprehend the mind of God; we cannot know all things, and in this fraction of space and time all things are possible, this is where miracles happen, seen and unseen. Seen in this time and unseen is eternity.
Life and death and birth into temporary life; and life and death and birth into eternal life - into His eternal light, straight into the arms of Jesus.
Video & Song
'Marvelous Light', Charlie Hall
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0oA2ka7tnh8
Thursday
May 1, 2008, Cross & Life
Cross & Life
Though the cross in itself represents death, it is the place were we come to a decision to choose life. It is hard to think much about all Jesus did without grieving, but the final story of the cross is resurrected life, perfect love, unlimited grace, overcoming peace, everlasting joy. There is only one cross that did this and it is the cross of Jesus on which He died willingly because of His great love for us. No other man, no other place, no other time, no other religion, has ever exhibited such great love and grace and it is from God Who IS Love.
He offers us to lay our burdens down at His feet, at the foot of the cross where everything for life and to have life more abundantly is found. We lay down our sins, our hurts, our pain, our illness, our diseases, our needs, our desires, our hearts and we find life.
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Phiippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
An added note: after searching for a contrast with the word 'cross' as it pertains to 'crossing over' in the Old Testament, the word translation is missing or misused. And since I don't read Hebrew I will search more. But either way, the point I wanted to make is 'cross, crossing, or to crossover' is the place of transition, a place of decision from one point to another....
And it is glorious when you choose His cross.
Video & Song
'Angus Dei' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eTWFYRA2j74&feature=related
Though the cross in itself represents death, it is the place were we come to a decision to choose life. It is hard to think much about all Jesus did without grieving, but the final story of the cross is resurrected life, perfect love, unlimited grace, overcoming peace, everlasting joy. There is only one cross that did this and it is the cross of Jesus on which He died willingly because of His great love for us. No other man, no other place, no other time, no other religion, has ever exhibited such great love and grace and it is from God Who IS Love.
He offers us to lay our burdens down at His feet, at the foot of the cross where everything for life and to have life more abundantly is found. We lay down our sins, our hurts, our pain, our illness, our diseases, our needs, our desires, our hearts and we find life.
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Phiippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
An added note: after searching for a contrast with the word 'cross' as it pertains to 'crossing over' in the Old Testament, the word translation is missing or misused. And since I don't read Hebrew I will search more. But either way, the point I wanted to make is 'cross, crossing, or to crossover' is the place of transition, a place of decision from one point to another....
And it is glorious when you choose His cross.
Video & Song
'Angus Dei' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eTWFYRA2j74&feature=related
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